Earls returns for final Test

21 June 2012 02:00 PM

IRELAND have been boosted by the return of Keith Earls, who missed the 22-19 defeat in Christchurch and moves from centre to left wing, for the final Test against New Zealand, who are weakened by the loss of Dan Carter.

Kidney said: "Keith's stated preference is he prefers to play at 13 but Brian (O'Driscoll) is not one to give it up too easily.

"He is a great team player and he is happy to be back in.

"He has rehabbed quite well, which is a credit to the medical team and himself for getting over (his shoulder injury).

"He has trained well this week."

ETHIC

Kidney admitted that it was 'not ideal' that Paddy Wallace only arrived on Tuesday evening but he feels the coaching staff have allayed any jet-lag concerns.

He said: "Paddy has always been a great player for Ireland.

"We talk about the squad ethic and what Paddy has given in the background, and in his 10 years' service to the Irish team, he has been fantastic."